Thai share prices closed 0.27 percent lower on Tuesday as investors remained concerned about the global financial crisis, dealers said. They said trading was light as investors stayed on the sidelines, awaiting news from the United States about a proposed economic stimulus package.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index fell 1.22 points to close at 443.17 points while the blue chip SET-50 shed 1.29 points to 307.98. Losers outnumbered gainers 157 to 134 with 113 stocks unchanged on turnover of 2.42 billion shares worth 9.03 billion baht (258.08 million dollars).
The Thai baht was little changed against the dollar, closing at 35.00-01 baht on Tuesday from 35.01-02 baht on Friday. The unit weakened against the euro, finishing at 45.16-22 from 44.83-85. Thai markets were closed Monday for a public holiday. "The index moved narrowly and closed down today. Investors worried about the global financial crisis," said Pichai Lertsupongkit, senior vice president at Thanachart Securities.
"Trading was light as investors preferred to wait for news from the US later about a proposed economic stimulus package," he added. US President Barack Obama's 838-billion-dollar package aimed at helping lift the nation out of recession is currently awaiting approval from Congress.
Thailand's top energy firm PTT Plc fell 2.00 baht to 163.00 baht while its subsidiary PTT Exploration and Production slipped 1.00 to 99.00. The country's biggest lender, Bangkok Bank, lost 2.00 to 73.50. Kasikorn Bank shed 1.00 to 44.75 while Siam Commercial Bank edged up 0.50 to 54.00.